Unless you're expecting lush countryside (March is dry season) and a tropical rain forest teeming with animals, this excursion should fit the bill. If you've already cruised the fascinating River Wallace in Belize, this will probably offer less wildlife--fewer crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and, since this is a mangrove, less varied vegetation. We did see a lot of neat birds including macaws, herons, egrets, ibises, large kingfishers, hawks, and ospreys, but other than darting mangrove swallows, smaller birds may be hard to spot. We were told what we saw was typical for a tour as birds are more active very early in the morning or at dusk. Our guide (Alejandra) was very friendly and knew a lot about flora, fauna, and the history of Costa Rica.

At the commercial shipping dock we boarded our "Swiss Travel Costa Rica " motor coach and head to the Tarcoles River in hopes of seeing mangroves teeming with exotic birds, crocodiles and iguanas.We stop along the way to see cattle, birds, flowers, plants and homes for sell. Twenty years ago these lots were sold as ocean side homes from an office down on the beach. The ocean can be seen from the lots if you use binoculars and cut down some trees. The owners have become disheartened and want to sell cheap. Upon our arrival at Tarcoles River we are given watermelon, fresh cut pineapple, ice tea and beer. The wives are shopping and the beer is included in the price. Some of the men are drinking extra beer because it is free and tastes better while discussing the intelligent things their wives have to say. The winner is the wife that wants to go home now because her brain is full. On to the boat so we may see crocodiles, birds, iguanas, crabs and butterflies. For me sitting in the middle was best so I could take pictures out either side with equal ease. However, watching us old people trying to see the birds and crocodiles was often more entertaining than the wildlife. We were told several times how lucky we were to see so many different species in a single day.